WEEKEND TRIP TO CHICAGO

June 16, 2017

My husband lived in Chicago when we met and we had a long distance relationship for 2 years before we got married. I had my fare share of trips to the city over the years while visiting family and friends after he moved to Atlanta with me. It’s one of the few cities that will always have a special place in my life. Recently we flew up to Chicago for the weekend for a friends birthday. Here’s a list of things to do, eat, and see if you are in the city for a limited time over a weekend.

FRIDAY NIGHT |

If you are able to get a car or are adventurous and don’t mind taking the train ( Exit on Kenzie station) you must visit Pizza Art Cafe in Lincoln Square neighborhood. This restaurant is a very small and cozy place that serves a variety of Bosnian dishes as well as salads and lots of delicious pizza options. My favorite is the Margarita pizza and the huge Greek salad ( the feta on it is amazing!). My husband on the other hand is a huge huge fan of the Cevapi they serve. That is a traditional Bosnian meal of beef sausages in pita bread and a side onions and sour cream. It is a BYOB place, so snag a wine bottle before you get there.

For a fun bar Head out to Havana for delicious mango margaritas and fun live music at this Latin bar that also serves food early in the evening. After head on over to Three Dots and a Dash for Rum treat. The decor of this bar is Hawaiian inspired and the drinks are perfectly decorated for that island feel. My favorite is the Frozen Banana Stand. Beware though the drinks are VERY strong.

SATURDAY |

Do yourself a favor and a head to M. Henry for brunch. This place is hands down one of my favorite brunch spots in the city. We make sure to stop here every time we are in the city, at least once. Get the Breakfast Pudding, it is so so so good. My favorite dish is the Jorge’s BlackBean cakes.

Next up go downtown to the Magnificent Mile and check out the incredible shopping options or just walk the city and window shop. Visit Uniqlo and head to the Starbucks on the 6th floor for a coffee and a view that you should not miss! If you are feeling full and need a workout rent a bike from one of the Divvy bike stations and ride the beautiful lakeshore from Millennium park up to the aquarium area. You will have the perfect photo op of the city skyline once you reach a curve on your bike path.

Next up is a stop at a gelato cafe at Lincoln Square again (can you tell I love that area? lol) You deserve it after all that biking! Paciugo has got the best flavored gelato in the city. The variety and the taste and the amount you get is unmatchable by anyone. Hazelnut is always perfect and coconut. I tried the banana cream and it has become one of my favorites.

For dinner get to Uncommon Ground, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba or Mana Food Bar ( all vegetarian spot). There are so many incredible options to eat in the city! Those are a few of my favorites for dinner, I’ll make another post just about restaurants!)

For a night stop head to Untitled. The interior of this speakeasy inspired bar is beautifully decorated. On some nights they have incredible burlesque dancers (tip: check the schedule!)

Or if you are looking for a chill experience check out the Green Mill Lounge for some of the best and most authentic jazz bars in Chicago.

SUNDAY |

Head to Cafe Selmarie for a quick breakfast and coffee before heading out to the airport. The cheese and spinach croissant is very good for a quick meal or have a sit down meal if you have the time.

Also check out Timeless Toys on Lincoln Square after your breakfast at Selmarie for an amazing selection of toys for kids if you need to get presents for the little ones in your life.

Until next time Chicago!

Are we friends yet?

Signup today and receive straight into your inbox updates, travel tips, special goodies, and more only available for my subscribers.

I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.